In a significant food safety alert, Walmart has initiated a recall of Marketside Broccoli Florets across 20 states after routine testing detected potential listeria contamination. The recall affects over 1,000 stores and specifically targets 12-ounce bags with a December 10, 2024 best-by date. This recall comes at a time when food safety concerns are increasingly in the spotlight, following several other major recalls in recent months.
What products are affected by this recall
The recall specifically targets 12-ounce bags of Marketside Broccoli Florets sold exclusively at Walmart stores. These ready-to-eat broccoli packages can be identified by their UPC code (6 81131 32884 5) and lot code (BFFG327A6). The affected products have a best-if-used-by date of December 10, 2024, though some consumers may have frozen the product for later use.
The manufacturer, Braga Fresh, initiated this recall after random sampling conducted by Texas Health & Human Services discovered listeria monocytogenes in samples from a Texas store location. While the contamination was found in just one sample, the company has taken proactive measures to protect consumer safety by recalling all products from this production lot.
To ensure maximum consumer safety, the recall encompasses all Marketside Broccoli Florets from this specific production run, regardless of where they were sold within the affected states. The recall is particularly noteworthy because these products were marketed as pre-washed and ready-to-eat, meaning many consumers may have consumed them without additional preparation steps.
The scope of this recall extends beyond fresh consumption, as many consumers typically freeze portions of fresh broccoli for future use. This means that even though the best-by date has passed, there could still be affected products in home freezers across the country. The recall notice emphasizes that freezing does not kill listeria bacteria.
States included in the Walmart broccoli recall
The recall spans 20 states across various regions of the United States, affecting more than 1,000 Walmart stores. The impacted states include Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.
The distribution pattern suggests that the potentially contaminated products were shipped to Walmart distribution centers serving these specific regions. The recall’s geographic spread indicates the significant scale of Walmart’s produce distribution network and highlights the complexity of modern food supply chains.
Each affected state’s health department has been notified and is working in conjunction with Walmart and the FDA to ensure proper implementation of recall procedures. Local health departments are also monitoring for any reported cases of listeria infection that might be connected to the recalled products.
Consumers in neighboring states should also exercise caution, as people sometimes shop across state lines. While the recall officially affects only these 20 states, anyone who has recently purchased Marketside Broccoli Florets should check the product details regardless of their location.
Identifying recalled broccoli packages in your home
Checking your broccoli packages requires attention to several specific details printed on the packaging. First, locate the best-if-used-by date, which should read December 10, 2024. Next, verify the UPC code, which is 6 81131 32884 5. The lot code BFFG327A6 is another crucial identifier.
The affected products are packaged in clear plastic bags with the Marketside brand name prominently displayed. The bags contain pre-cut broccoli florets and are labeled as “ready-to-eat” or “washed and ready to use.” The net weight of each package is 12 ounces.
These identifying details are typically found on the front and back of the package. The UPC code appears as a barcode with numbers underneath, usually on the back of the package. The lot code and best-by date are often printed near the seam or bottom of the package.
If you’re unable to read any of these details clearly, it’s recommended to err on the side of caution and dispose of any Marketside Broccoli Florets purchased from Walmart in recent months. The cost of replacement is minimal compared to the potential health risks.
Proper disposal of recalled broccoli products
When disposing of recalled broccoli, it’s important to handle the product carefully to prevent cross-contamination. Double-bag the broccoli before placing it in your trash container. This extra step helps protect waste management workers and prevents animals from accessing the contaminated product.
Food safety experts recommend cleaning and sanitizing any containers, shelves, or drawers where the recalled broccoli was stored. Use hot, soapy water followed by a solution of one tablespoon of bleach per gallon of water to sanitize surfaces.
Don’t attempt to cook the recalled broccoli thinking it will eliminate the risk. While heating can kill listeria bacteria, there’s no guarantee that the cooking process will eliminate all contamination. The safest approach is to dispose of the product entirely.
After handling the recalled product, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Clean all utensils, cutting boards, and countertops that may have come into contact with the recalled broccoli.
Steps to take if you’ve consumed recalled products
If you’ve recently consumed Marketside Broccoli Florets from Walmart, there’s no immediate cause for panic. Most healthy individuals who consume listeria-contaminated foods may experience mild symptoms or none at all. However, it’s important to monitor your health for potential signs of infection.
Common symptoms of listeria infection include fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea. These typically appear within a few days of consuming contaminated food, though they can take up to 70 days to develop. More severe symptoms might include stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions.
Certain groups should be especially vigilant and contact their healthcare provider immediately if they’ve consumed the recalled product. These include pregnant women, older adults, newborns, and individuals with weakened immune systems. These populations are at higher risk for severe complications from listeria infection.
Keep track of when you consumed the product and document any symptoms that develop. This information can be valuable for healthcare providers in determining appropriate treatment options. Save the product packaging if possible, as it contains important information that might be needed for investigation purposes.
Getting a refund for recalled broccoli
Walmart and Braga Fresh have established a straightforward refund process for consumers who purchased the recalled broccoli. You can return the product to any Walmart store for a full refund, even if you no longer have the receipt. If you still have the product packaging, bring it with you to facilitate the refund process.
Consumers with questions about the refund process can contact Braga Fresh directly at 877-456-7445. Customer service representatives are available to assist with refund-related inquiries and provide additional information about the recall.
If you’ve discarded the product but still have your receipt, you can still obtain a refund by presenting the receipt at any Walmart customer service desk. Some stores may also be able to look up your purchase using your Walmart account or payment method information.
For customers who purchased the product using a Walmart+ membership or through online grocery shopping, the refund process can often be initiated through their online account or by contacting Walmart’s customer service department.
Safe alternatives to recalled broccoli products
Consumers looking for alternatives to the recalled Marketside Broccoli Florets have several safe options available. Fresh, whole broccoli heads are not affected by this recall and remain a reliable choice. When selecting whole broccoli, look for firm, dark green heads with tight florets.
Other retailers’ pre-cut broccoli products that aren’t part of the recall remain safe options. However, always check for proper refrigeration and avoid packages with excess moisture or any signs of deterioration.
Frozen broccoli products from any brand, including Walmart’s private labels, are processed differently and are not affected by this recall. These products undergo a blanching process before freezing that helps eliminate potential contaminants.
When choosing alternatives, consider the convenience factor that led you to select pre-cut broccoli in the first place. Several options offer similar convenience, such as steam-in-bag frozen broccoli or fresh broccoli heads cut into florets at home.
Understanding the scope of listeria contamination
Listeria monocytogenes, the bacteria identified in the recalled broccoli, can survive and grow even at refrigeration temperatures. This characteristic makes it particularly concerning in ready-to-eat products that aren’t typically cooked before consumption.
The contamination was discovered through routine testing by Texas Health & Human Services, highlighting the importance of regular food safety monitoring systems. While only one sample tested positive, the entire lot was recalled as a precautionary measure due to the potential for cross-contamination during processing.
Listeria contamination can occur at various points in the production process, from harvesting to packaging. The bacteria can persist in processing environments despite regular cleaning and sanitization procedures. This persistence makes prevention particularly challenging in fresh produce processing facilities.
The scope of this recall reflects modern food safety protocols that prioritize consumer protection through rapid response and broad precautionary measures. When contamination is detected, companies typically recall entire production lots rather than attempting to isolate specific contaminated packages.
Walmart’s response to the contamination
Walmart’s immediate response to the contamination discovery involved removing all affected products from store shelves and distribution centers. The retailer has implemented its recall procedures across more than 1,000 stores in the affected states, demonstrating the scale of this safety initiative.
Store employees have been instructed to check all produce departments and remove any remaining affected products. The company has also placed alerts in its inventory system to prevent additional sales of the recalled items through both in-store and online channels.
The retailer has activated its customer notification system, sending alerts to Walmart+ members and online grocery customers who purchased the affected products. This proactive communication strategy helps ensure that consumers are aware of the recall even if they miss initial media announcements.
Additionally, Walmart has strengthened its monitoring protocols for all ready-to-eat produce products, implementing additional testing procedures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The company continues to work closely with suppliers to enhance food safety measures throughout its supply chain.
Recent developments in food safety have highlighted the crucial balance between convenience and safety in modern food processing. While pre-cut and ready-to-eat products offer significant convenience, they require rigorous safety protocols to protect consumers. This recall serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance and continuous improvement in food safety measures across the entire supply chain. As the investigation continues, both retailers and manufacturers will likely implement additional safeguards to prevent similar incidents in the future.
